Some gardeners prefer the Black Hollyhock flower because of its strange deep red-wine shadows. The flower, some say, compensates for the so-called "weed-like" appearance of the foliage. Other gardeners love the foliage, taking the Hollyhock for all that it is.

This particular flower began opening today. Once a single stalk, now spread to five tall stocks covered with buds, this Hollyhock adds interest to a retaining wall, poised to offer many days of new summertime blooms.

This particular plant had its first home away from the nursery on a slope facing south with a full day of hot and dry exposure. It became obvious the first season that the plant would enjoy life some place else. Next year, the plant was relocated to a full morning sun spot against a retaining wall on the western edge of the property. Enjoying its third season in this spot, the Hollyhock has done much better, filling in a four foot swath. Here, though, it's obvious the plant would like more sun. It now gets more water and is cooler, but it wants more sun. Nonetheless, it does get along quite well without a full day's sun, even though perhaps the plant is a bit taller and the leaves more sparse than they might be otherwise.

The Black Hollyhock will most certainly give your garden party guests something to admire, enjoy and chat about.